Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

The Prince's Residence

Xue Beng rushed in hurriedly.

"Uncle, Uncle, great news, great news!" Xue Beng exclaimed with uncontainable joy.

Xue Xing remained calm and snapped, "Beng, how many times have I told you to stay composed? With your current attitude, how can you possibly contend with Xue Qinghe?"

Xue Beng quickly calmed himself and said earnestly, "Uncle, isn't it true that you've been wanting a treasure that can help break through your strength? Tonight's auction at Tiandou City has just such an item."

Xue Xing was already a Soul Sage. If he could break through to become a Soul Douluo, his influence in the Tiandou Empire's court would significantly increase.

Moreover, Xue Ye's health had deteriorated rapidly, leaving them with very little time.

"Beng, are you certain about this?" Xue Xing asked excitedly.

Xue Beng muttered under his breath, "Uncle, you always tell me to stay calm, yet here you are losing your composure over something important."

Xue Xing coldly huffed, "Don't interrupt me. Did you send someone to seal off the information? If others find out, we might not be able to secure this treasure."

Although Xue Beng often acted recklessly, he wasn't foolish. Knowing the importance of this information, he immediately sent people to block the news.

Tonight's auction was a regular one, so there weren't many people paying attention. Once the news was sealed off, no one outside would know, nor care.

Hearing this, Xue Xing was delighted. "Good! Let's hurry to the auction house. Such an important item must not fall into someone else's hands."

Without delay, Xue Xing, accompanied by his guards, rushed toward the Tiandou Auction House.

On the other side, Chen Lei had been waiting for some time in the auction house.

The item for auction had been delivered by a division head of the Shadow Guard—no one suspected it was a setup.

Moreover, since this wasn't a top-tier auction, there hadn't been enough time to create hype around the item.

Thus, Xue Xing and his nephew believed they were about to snag a great bargain.

---

Not long after, Xue Xing, along with his guards, hurriedly entered the auction house and approached the person in charge.

"Where is that herb that boosts strength?" Xue Xing urgently asked.

The auction house manager responded indifferently, "Your Highness, as it is an auction item, it cannot be bought before the auction begins."

The Tiandou Auction House had shares from the imperial family. Most of the time, if Xue Xing took items without paying and no one complained, he wouldn't face any trouble.

However, the imperial family wasn't the only shareholder, so Xue Xing couldn't push too far, lest Xue Qinghe use it against him.

After calming himself, he asked, "When will this herb be auctioned, what's the starting price, and what's the estimated ceiling?"

These details could be disclosed in advance.

The auction house manager replied, "The starting bid is 100,000 gold spirit coins. However, there's only one of these herbs. After appraisal, the auction house confirms its rich spiritual energy, but whether it can boost a soul master's rank upon absorption remains uncertain. Therefore, the ceiling is around 300,000 gold spirit coins. Any higher would involve significant risk."

This was a sub-immortal herb provided by Ning Tianchen, specifically to lure Xue Xing and his nephew into the trap.

As expected, the uncle-nephew duo reacted strongly.

"Uncle, we can afford 300,000 gold spirit coins. Should we wait and then go all out to secure it?" Xue Beng suggested.

Xue Xing thought for a moment and asked, "You haven't told me when this item will be auctioned."

The auction house manager explained, "There are 30 other items ahead of this one, so it should be around evening. Your Highness, if you're not in a rush, you can wait in the auction house."

With the breakthrough so close, there was no need to rush.

Thinking this, Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng entered the red VIP lounge to wait.

---

Crown Prince's Residence

Ning Tianchen and Xue Qinghe sat together discussing strategies.

Upon hearing the Shadow Guard's report, Ning Tianchen smiled. "The trap is set; we just need Prince Xue Xing to jump in himself."

He hadn't informed Ning Fengzhi about this matter. The latter's stance was clear—he would undoubtedly side with Xue Qinghe.

Thus, when the incident occurred, Ning Fengzhi would respond appropriately.

Moreover, having the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect actively assist Dugu Bo would transfer the debt of gratitude from Xue Xing to the sect itself.

Having decided to help Dugu Bo, Ning Tianchen didn't want to manipulate him further.

"Tianchen, your idea is good, but it'll be difficult to completely 'eliminate' Xue Xing this way. Dugu Bo has never joined the Tiandou Imperial Family, so there's little room to exploit." Xue Qinghe outlined the pros and cons.

Ning Tianchen shook his head. "This is just the warm-up. First, we'll weaken part of Xue Xing's power. We can't swallow everything in one bite. To completely bring him down will require more planning."

"Prince, I can't appear in this matter. The rest depends on you and Uncle Ning. But this must remain unknown to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I've already informed Dean Ke, and he won't say anything."

"Also, you must treat this as an unexpected event. Don't show any cracks—make it seamless."

Prince Xue Xing had survived multiple court struggles and enjoyed Xue Ye's trust. To say he had no tricks up his sleeve would be unbelievable.

If Xue Qinghe handled this too perfectly, once Xue Xing realized afterward, there would likely be severe backlash. At that point, mutual destruction was inevitable.

"I understand. However, you must stay by my side today until someone from the palace sends word, then you may leave," Xue Qinghe chuckled. "Coincidentally, I also have something to discuss with you."

Ning Tianchen nodded.

Xue Qinghe continued, "I want to ask you: If one day the Spirit Hall attacks the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, causing heavy losses, can our cooperation continue?"

"Of course, by Spirit Hall, I mean the Pope's Hall."

Ning Tianchen feigned indifference. "You've said that Pope Bibi Dong can only mobilize Ju, Gui and two Title Douluo. With their strength, they're no match for Grandpa and Bone Grandpa. If Bibi Dong personally intervenes… hah, even though she's mad, she wouldn't be stupid enough to step in herself."

In the original timeline, the Spirit Hall's soul-hunting operation mobilized Snake Spear and Porcupinefish, two Title Douluo near Qian Renxue.

Thus, she must have been aware of this matter.

Her question was preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Bibi Dong's strength was growing, and the Elder Hall could barely suppress her. By then, Qian Renxue wouldn't want to make Ning Tianchen an enemy, especially since she sensed divine power fluctuations in him.

In the future, if a god war erupted, the Spirit Hall would suffer heavy losses. Moreover, Qian Renxue wasn't sure she'd inherit the Angel God's powers.

"This is just hypothetical, hah, don't worry, speak freely."

Ning Tianchen replied, "Every debt has its debtor. As long as you don't collude with Bibi Dong, when that time comes, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's enemy will only be Bibi Dong."

"However, to destroy the sect, Bibi Dong will lose a limb. Without losing at least two Title Douluo, she won't achieve anything."

"Of course, no one wants the worst-case scenario. When that time comes, I hope Brother Xue can mediate."

His words weren't empty.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect possessed firearms and hidden weapons. Sword Bone Douluo's strength had increased by one level compared to the original timeline. Additionally, the sect was surrounded by Dragon Breath Bombs. Unless the Spirit Hall could tolerate high casualty rates, the tragedy of the original timeline would not repeat.

But Bibi Dong didn't know all this. Without anyone stopping it, the soul-hunting operation would likely proceed.

Xue Qinghe nodded. "That goes without saying."

---

Time passed minute by minute.

Just as night fell, the Tiandou Auction House brought out the sub-immortal herb provided by Ning Tianchen.

When the auctioneer unveiled the red cloth, revealing only a single herb on the tray, the guests immediately lost interest.

"What nonsense! The Tiandou Auction House has sunk so low as to auction off a mere weed?"

"Exactly, do they think making money is so easy that they've resorted to abstract concepts?"

Seeing the negative impression the item left on the guests, the auctioneer quickly explained, "Esteemed guests, please don't be deceived by its appearance."

"This is the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb, a top-tier medicinal herb."

This sub-immortal herb grew only in the Extreme North Ice Plains. Not only were the guests unaware of its effects, but even those living in the Extreme North rarely knew of its properties.

Fortunately, the Snow Mountain Sect's detailed records ensured they hadn't missed this treasure.

Seeing the auction nearing a cold reception, the auctioneer hurriedly revealed its powerful effect: "Esteemed guests, it doesn't matter if you haven't heard of this item. All you need to know is that after absorbing it, a soul master's soul power rank can increase within a short period. I guarantee with the auction house's reputation that its effects are genuine."

"What! Increase soul power!" Instantly, the guests became highly interested.

A rapid increase in soul power could save much training time. Whether for their descendants or themselves, the effects were excellent.

Seeing the atmosphere peak, the auctioneer quickly announced, "This Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb starts at 100,000 gold spirit coins, with each bid increment no less than 10,000 gold spirit coins. The bidding begins!"

This was just a regular auction, so few guests could afford 100,000 gold spirit coins.

Though enthusiasm was high, very few placed bids.

After several rounds, the price had barely exceeded 170,000 gold spirit coins.

Those lacking funds began to doubt the item's authenticity.

The Tiandou Auction House's reputation was solid, but there had been a few misjudgments in history.

Once buyers took the item home, the auction house didn't offer refunds.

Some felt that if the item were truly effective, it should have been placed in a top-tier auction, not this routine one.

Among the guests, Prince Xue Xing was the only red VIP.

Seeing the bidding nearing its end, Xue Beng laughed. "Uncle, we can place our bid now. These people's finances are limited, so we'll likely secure it at a low price."

To avoid accidents, Xue Xing decided to pay for the item outright.

The value of the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb was extraordinary. If the major shareholders behind the Tiandou Auction House realized its significance and he hadn't paid, he would undoubtedly face immense pressure from all sides to have the item reclaimed.

But by paying, the item would belong to him. Even if the shareholders behind the auction house figured it out later, they could only swallow their losses in silence.

"200,000 gold spirit coins," Xue Xing raised his bidding paddle.

"The red VIP has placed a bid!"

The few guests who were previously vying for the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb immediately backed off.

For black and lower-tier VIPs, having money was enough, but for red VIPs, it wasn't just about wealth—it was also about power.

Ordinary merchants wouldn't dare cross paths with a red VIP.

Seeing no one else raising their bids, the auctioneer announced, "200,000 gold spirit coins once! Esteemed guests, I hope you understand—treasures that can increase soul power are rare even in top-tier auctions. If you miss this chance, the next one might not come for a long time."

"200,000 twice! Does anyone wish to raise the bid? Perhaps 210,000 gold spirit coins?"

In the VIP section, Xue Xing frowned. "This guy is too talkative!"

He just wanted to secure the item and quickly return to his residence to avoid any complications.

"200,000 three times!" The auctioneer brought down the gavel. "Succ—"

Before the word "success" left his lips, someone from the white ordinary seats raised their paddle: "300,000 gold spirit coins."

There was no rule in the auction house that bidding couldn't continue after the gavel had fallen.

As long as the next item hadn't started being auctioned, bids could still be raised at any time.

"Who dares to snatch what belongs to me!" Prince Xue Xing stood up, his eyes fiercely scanning the entire auction hall!

From the white ordinary seating area, an elegant noblewoman stretched lazily. "I want this item too. Let's compete fairly."

Xue Xing's lips twitched slightly.

Whenever Ning Fengzhi attended auctions, unless it was a top-tier event, he always sat in the white seats.

Xue Xing had suffered losses at his hands several times and had learned his lesson.

"Which family does this woman belong to, daring to oppose me? Investigate her identity thoroughly—I'll stall her for now."

The guards received their orders and immediately began investigating her background.

Chen Lei sat calmly, completely unfazed, showing no concern for the opposition.

Prince Xue Xing kept raising the price incrementally, deliberately stalling for time.

The auctioneer, who naturally recognized him, could only ramble on with trivial matters while delaying the final sale until Xue Xing gave further instructions.

Many of the guests present recognized Prince Xue Xing. At the same time, they cast respectful glances toward Chen Lei, who dared to challenge him directly.

Clearly, they had suffered under Prince Xue Xing's tyranny more than once.

On the other hand, Chen Lei showed no hesitation in raising her bids.

After all, Ning Tianchen had given her a budget of one million gold spirit coins, so she was nowhere near her limit.

Moreover, once the item was sold, the money would eventually return to Ning Tianchen's hands anyway.

About the length of time it took to burn an incense stick later, the captain of the guards whispered something into Xue Xing's ear.

"Your Highness, there's no record of this person in Tiandou City. She hasn't entered the city recently either. It's possible she's a local who has returned to Tiandou City recently or someone who was exempted and entered directly."

The first scenario was easy to understand—she was a woman, possibly married off for many years and only recently returned home. As for the second scenario, the only group recently exempted from entry requirements were scholars attending the academic exchange conference hosted by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

However, her appearance didn't match the image of a scholar that Xue Xing had in mind.

Thus, he concluded she must fall under the first scenario.

"You old hag, you're still too young to mess with me!"

By now, the price of the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb had been driven up to 480,000 gold spirit coins, far exceeding what Xue Xing could afford. He no longer had the means to win the auction.

But there were other ways to obtain the item—not just through monetary bidding.

As Prince Xue Xing and his guards left, the auctioneer finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly declared the item belonged to Chen Lei.

---

To allow Prince Xue Xing time to set up his plans, Chen Lei intentionally stayed in the auction house a little longer.

It was nearing midnight when she finally paid and collected the item.

Upon leaving the auction house, she clearly sensed someone tailing her from behind. Pretending not to notice, she deliberately walked step by step into the trap Prince Xue Xing had prepared for her.

"Uncle, she's here," Xue Beng said with a venomous glare at Chen Lei in the distance.

Other than Ning Fengzhi, no one had ever dared to snatch what they wanted. Chen Lei's deliberate opposition during the auction was a blatant attempt to humiliate them!

How could they swallow this insult?

Prince Xue Xing sneered. "Hmph, acting recklessly under my nose—there's only one outcome for her."

"Everyone, attack! Capture her and take back the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb! Don't drag it out too long, and don't draw the attention of the city patrol!"

Since the assassination incident years ago, the city patrol had been replaced batch after batch, and the informants planted by Prince Xue Xing had long been weeded out. If the city patrol caught him in the act, someone would surely impeach him in court tomorrow.

Soon, Chen Lei, who had been walking normally along the road, was surrounded by a group of armored soldiers.

Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng stepped forward menacingly. "You old hag, you think you can just walk away after snatching what belongs to me? Hah! Hand over the Tian Shan Snow Ice Herb, and perhaps I'll let you live."

Now that their identities were exposed, of course, he intended to kill her to silence her.

Such a dishonorable act—if not handled cleanly—would inevitably invite criticism!

With utter calmness, Chen Lei retorted, "Prince Xue Xing, are you saying you intend to make a move against me?"

Xue Beng cursed angrily, "Stop your nonsense and hand over the item, quick!"

Chen Lei's anger flared, and her tone grew sharper. "Are you sure you want to fight me, boy?"

"Shut up and hurry up!" Xue Xing turned around and stopped talking to her.

His guards surged forward, attempting to overwhelm Chen Lei.

Clang clang—after a series of metallic clashes, silence fell behind Prince Xue Xing.

He reminded them, "Clean up the scene and leave no trace."

"Are you talking to me?" Chen Lei's voice rang out.

The Xue Xing uncle-nephew duo whirled around to see that all the guards from the prince's estate had been killed, their throats slit. Chen Lei stood holding a sharp scimitar, her feet revealing eight soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black.

Moreover, the fluctuations of soul power emanating from her body clearly indicated she was no mere early stage Soul Douluo.

Xue Xing froze in place, his mind screaming inwardly: "Impossible! How could she be a Soul Douluo?"

Having moved to kill her first, how could she possibly spare him now?

Xue Beng's legs went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, involuntary fluids staining his pants.

It was over. Everything was over!

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